Sun-kissed Sundress

Growing up in Southern Ontario meant hot summers, meals on the deck, and golden sunsets over the backyard. When I first laid eyes on the fabric for this dress, vivid memories of my childhood evenings came rushing back. I remembered coming home for dinner from the farmland and vegetable gardens that served as my playgrounds. I used to spend hours being fascinated by the bees pollinating nasturtiums, and the brave field mice teetering up wobbly soybean stalks. I could almost taste the garden-fresh, juicy tomato wedges, crisp peas, and sweet watermelon slushies we devoured while the rabbits munched sweet clovers in the yard. As sunflower heads gently closed for the night, we would listen to goldfinches, sparrows, and purple martins giggle as they stole seeds for dinner. When my fingertips caressed the soft fabric that would become this dress, I felt the warm breeze that used to whistle through the maple trees and the laundry on the line. I could suddenly smell the sunbaked thyme, the fresh-cut grass, and the wild violets. Most special of all, I could see a clear image of my mom cloaked in the sun’s golden glow as she shelled peas with my grandmother in the garden. Her hair blew softly in the breeze as she laughed and enjoyed the outdoor evening in a sundress just like this. I created this garment as a tangible reminder of the natural world we can find in our own backyard, and the happiness, peace, and joy it can contain.